Crouch Mesa Man Arrested in Death of Woman

Mateo Yazzie, 23

 On April 5 at 7:27pm, SJCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 390 in reference to a missing person.  Family members of Denise Werito were concerned as she never arrived at work that day, her vehicle was not at her residence, and they had not heard from Denise.  While meeting family at the victim’s residence, deputies had cause to force entry into the residence where they found the body of Ms. Werito.  With signs of foul play, the scene was secured and detectives were called in.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Mateo Yazzie in connection with the death of Denise Werito.   Mateo Yazzie, age 23 is being charged with Murder in the 2nd degree, a 2nd degree felony.

 On April 5 at 7:27pm, SJCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 390 in reference to a missing person.  Family members of Denise Werito were concerned as she never arrived at work that day, her vehicle was not at her residence, and they had not heard from Denise.  While meeting family at the victim’s residence, deputies had cause to force entry into the residence where they found the body of Ms. Werito.  With signs of foul play, the scene was secured and detectives were called in.

 Mateo Yazzie who lived at the victim’s residence was quickly identified as a possible suspect. An abandoned vehicle located in Farmington was linked to the victim. Yazzie was located at an apartment in Farmington and was detained for questioning.  The investigation led Sheriff’s Office Detectives to secure an arrest warrant for Mateo Yazzie for the charge of 2nd degree murder.

More from Local News

  • Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

    Video

    Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.

  • College Opens new Student Health Center

    The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.

  • Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

    Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.

  • Feds Indict Shiprock Father & Son for Illegal Marijuana Farms in NM

    The charges include conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, manufacture of 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, maintaining drug-involved premises, and two counts of knowingly discharging pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit.

  • Passenger Air Service Returns to Farmington

    “We’re excited to bring this new United Express service to the four corners area,” said Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development at SkyWest Airlines.  "Little is more important to a community than quality air service. With just one flight from FMN, passengers can easily connect to hundreds of destinations worldwide on United’s global network through Denver.”

  • 2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

    These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 59°F | Low: 28°F

  • Durango, CO

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 50°F | Low: 25°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 63°F | Low: 34°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Light rain

    High: 54°F | Low: 28°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 57°F | Low: 27°F